One analyst predicts Florida State as one of the biggest sleepers in 2026

Florida State football has been so bad over the past two years that everything said about the program seems like a running joke. That’s what going 7-17, and only winning four ACC games will do for you.

That’s what not firing the coach who did that will do for you. Nevertheless, college football analyst Greg McElroy believes Florida State is one of the biggest sleepers for the 2026 season:

For one, it’s the offseason, and people need something to talk about. However, it’s not like he said anything outlandish in his reasoning. They do have some playmakers and talent. They lost seven games last year, and four of those were by eight points or less. The biggest issue is consistency, turning the ball over, and failing under pressure.

Now, one could say why anyone expects anything to change since FSU has the same head coach. FSU made some changes at several coaching positions, and Norvell will call the plays in 2026. McElroy is banking on a quarterback who hasn’t been very good to surprise a lot of folks if FSU is a sleeper team. What does that even mean? If FSU wins eight games a good sleeper pick?

That's not the standard, but it would surprise most Florida State fans if they won eight games with this 2026 schedule. At this point, it doesn't matter what happens this offseason. FSU fans are tired of hoping and wishing and the last two seasons took years off of their lives. They are in wait-and-see mode regarding the program, and someone like McElroy saying this doesn't move the needle anymore.